Philippians 1:27-30 - July 12, 2011
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him, since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
In this section of his word, God encourages us in our faith especially in the struggles we have as Christians living in a sinful world. He directs us to always “conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” When he brought us to faith in Jesus, God brought about a vast change in us. He called us out of the darkness of unbelief into the wonderful light of knowing and trusting in Jesus as our Savior. He created in us a new life that enjoys all the spiritual blessings that were won for us by Jesus’ death and resurrection. Now God calls on us to reflect our new spiritual life in the way we conduct ourselves.
He explains what he means. He wants us to “stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for the faith of the gospel.” We will gladly hear and learn God’s word and hold fast to every truth which God has revealed to us about Jesus in the Bible. We will not add our own judgments, ignore doctrines that are difficult to follow, or change the meaning of the God’s word to fit our own ideals. Together we will strive to defend and promote the whole truth of gospel everywhere. We will not fear the people and forces that oppose us because the almighty Lord has promised that he is always with us.
Life as a Christian in this world will never be easy. We will struggle against enemies of the gospel. But the same Lord who sustained Christians in the past in their many struggles is still with us today. Daily he gives us strength so that in spite of our struggles we can rejoice in the love of Jesus.
Prayer:
According to your promise, Lord, help me in the struggles I have in living my faith. Prevent me from ever compromising the truth of your word. Overcome my discouragements with the joy of trusting in Jesus my Savior. Amen.
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